Archive for May 2017

Home Archive for May 2017

Fugly sandals

Well who would have thought I would still be wearing these, four years after I first bought a pair? Not me.

Which is why, the first ones I bought, I spent not an awful lot on from Zara. Every year I thought I'd replace them. Every year I contemplated replacing them with a more expensive pair - and yes, I have ordered the Isabel Marant versions more than a couple of times but just didn't like them "that" much more than my bargain Zara numbers.

However after four years of wear (so I think I actually bought them five years ago maybe.. can't be... no it must be four) they really didn't owe me anything and have been sent to shoe heaven. And I didn't think I was going to replace them, when I realised they played a really important place in my Summer wardrobe..and I'll take my proverbial finger out of my jacksie at that RIDICULOUS phrase - but well... you know what I mean, I hope?

Jeans, a tee and a blazer and for those Summer days when you need a more meaty sandal. Something slightly more on the androgynous side - an alternative to a trainer that you can walk for miles in and is comfortable. All my other sandals are on the dainty, pared back side. I want a hunka, munka, chunka pair.. and these fit the bill perfectly. I need a pair of fugly sandals.

And I found the ideal versions at Forever 21. Which I can't find anymore. SORRY! I bought mine on a total impulse buy instore but I have trawled the internet for ones that will work just as well.

These are perfect. You could obviously just go a traditional Birkie which clearly these are based on but I prefer something with a bit more detail. They're the most similar to the ones I bought which, as I said, unfortunately you can't seem to buy online (the problem with Forever 21). I was going to get these before I stumbled across mine instore.

Falcon Sliders from Topshop £39

So I'm going straight into the hilariously bonkers. But... but, but, but dare I say I'm drawn to them? I won't, but I SO could.

Falcon Furry Sliders from Topshop. Limited Edition £42

Western style again in red velvet in the sale at ASOS.

SixtySeven Western Buckle Red Velvet Sandals were £49 now £38

And then the ones I've had my heart set on forever. But Mrs Sensible head has always prevailed (which makes a change).

Lenny snake effect leather sliders from Isabel Marant were £470 now £198.81 I love them. I really, really love them but I'm not sure for the amount I wear them, I can justify them. Well, I know I can't. If they were the only sandals I wore all Summer, I would definitely invest but they're not, so I can't. But can someone else buy them, pretty please?

If you like a bit of bling on your feet, then metallic could be the way forward?

Falcon Buckle Sandals from Topshop in metallic £39

A slightly more subtle version at a great price (I can confirm how comfy this style from there is...).

Metallic Buckled Slides from Forever 21 £16 in pewter

Subtle silver in the sale at ASOS.

Miss KG Lacie Double Buckle slider in silver was £55 now £40

A variation on the theme and these, I have to say I adore. If I hadn't "splurged" on the Forever 21 ones and didn't live in trainers...

Studded Flat Sandals from Topshop in green £49

In the tan.. again £49

Or in the black - with extra studs. £49

If you prefer an espadrille - these are the ideal sandal version.

Espadrille Faux Leather Slides £18

Or the dusky pink again £18

Pared back in a paler shade at The Outnet.

Rachele Leather Sandals from Paloma Barcelo was £180 now £108

Or the croc effect in navy... was £180 now £99

Black at ASOS.

Lost Ink Buckle Espadrille Flat Sandals £30

Then there are alternative numbers - but still just as chunky and fugly.

Metallic Platform Slides in Rose Gold £16 from Forever 21

Again a plainer version on top with the sole doing the talking for you.

Sawtooth leather slides from Tory Burch were £225 now £126

Proper sole action at Warehouse.

Warehouse Flatform Buckle Sandal £49

And the criss cross back strap version.

Calf half and leather sandals in black from Marc Jacobs were £270 now £108 And these come in half sizes. The black ones don't really have my name all over them... actually to be fair, I love these but BUT I have long toes like fingers and they are just a tad too on show with a criss cross like this. Boo.

Or in the navy.. were £270 now £118.80

Orrrr the burgundy now £118.80

Here I am in mine (and I am so sorry you can't order them online but I think you might be able to find them instore.. if you have a Forever 21 near you. They seem to be few and far between these days which is a shame as there are complete gems to be had).

Tee - Isabel Marant
Phoebe Jeans - MiH
Sandals - Forever 21
Black jacket - hush
Black Tools bag - Balenciaga

We have had such a lovely day crabbing. WHOOP. It really is the little things that make such a difference. The simplest of activities, for a nominal cost, completely back to nature and something we have been doing for 12 years. Even when the now 12yr old was a one year old, the husband and I used to take her crabbing (with hindsight, errr why?? Why didn't we just sit in the pub and drink as she couldn't have cared less either way? Hindsight is a wonderful thing).

And we're now off to fly a kite. I can imagine this may be a slightly less than harmonious experience for the ADHD/Asperger's member of the family... *deep breath*.. (I am armed with a mini bottle of Prosecco - all well is with the world...!)

It's a marmite one

The one shoulder top. It's not for everyone. You can wear these with a strapless bra and I know lots of people do. Personally I swing free (and that's just way too much information right there, I apologise now) as I like a loose top and not a fitted one. No nips on show here.

However yes, a strapless bra would work, but apologies if this is something that doesn't float your boat. Normal service will be resumed tomorrow with something that isn't bra specific.

In the meantime, though these are a very useful Summer top. Well - for those who like them. But they're not going to be for everyone, that's for sure. I happen to be a big fan. Other people will like a cold should top which isn't for me - ditto a bardot top. I don't mind them, I just prefer full tops and one shoulder numbers also happen to be a winner. Horses for courses and wouldn't it be a dull world if we all liked the same thing?

But for me - somehow they work. Randomly I can wear a bardot dress but I struggle with a top (this sounds like I am Mrs Foible.com but I do know, having had various conversations with people, this is "a thing".. they ping up... and a dress doesn't for some reason). The one shoulder top job somehow works. It's comfortable (so long as the bra thing doesn't bother you... strapless or au naturale) and is just that bit different.

I have invested in two this season - one from M&S which is much dressier (pictured below) and the other from hush which is ridiculously comfortable and easy to dress up or down. I've recently spoken at a couple of events with hush with regards to holiday dressing (and my beloved capsule wardrobe) which I will report back on in the next week or so.

This however, is a sneak peak.

One Shoulder Top from hush £60

The dressier navy one which comes in and out of stock online as well as being in some stores.

Off the Shoulder Sleeveless Top from M&S £39.50

Similar to the hush one but in red and with the addition of a ruffle.

Ichi One Shoulder Ruffle Top was £29.99 now £18

Navy at Warehouse.

One Shoulder Crepe Frilled Top in navy £20

Black at Coast with lots in stock at Debenhams (sold out many other places).

Coast Victoria One Shoulder Top £59

ASOS One Shoulder Tiered top £25

ASOS Minimal Crepe Top with One Shoulder was £28 now £19.50

And I was surprised to see that this one was from Miss Selfridge. Love it.

Miss Selfridge One Shoulder Bow Top in nude was £28 now £19.50

White at Coast with most stock at John Lewis.

Coast Thea One Shoulder Top £59

Print at Warehouse.

Pansy Pop Tie One Shoulder Top £29

Print again at ASOS.

One Shoulder Top in Bandana Print £28

And finishing with a couple of boho numbers. Clearly these are not for me - I would LOVE to wear them but I just look in the mirror and think Mama Mia. Meryl Streep though - not the young foxy one. Not for me. But other people can rock them. I am all the jealous.

ASOS One Shoulder Top with Embroidery £28

In the red and blue. LOVE. On other people. Please can someone buy these so I can live vicariously through them.

And here I am in mine from the last couple of days.

Firstly out out on Friday night.

Top - M&S
Phoebe jeans - MiH
Sandals - Reiss
Bag - Tory Burch

And yesterday for a wonderful day on hols. The weather was amazing.. and then it wasn't... but I met up with one of my best friends and a glass and half of prosecco - literally that was all we had - abstemious or WHAT! I am v aware that I go to Ibiza on Saturday. Although I may have left reparations a tad too late... Nothing that a kaftan can't hide!

Black one shoulder top - hush
Cropped harems - hush
Cara sandals - Apiedi
Tools bag - Balenciaga

Today, I am off to hunt down a copy of The Times as there is an article featuring the more mature Instagrammer which includes me. Too excited. Seriously, I am so uncool about this and am tempted to have wallpaper made with it on.

The circus this afternoon in Aldeburgh aka keeping it real. This is the best/worst circus EVER and we've been going for five years. You can keep your Cirque de Soleil. This is proper entertainment.. (and please can no one disabuse my children of this notion!).

When the sales come early..

...it's that time of year folks. I know it doesn't actually seem true but the sales are around the corner. How can that be true? I KNOW, RIGHT. But it's June at the end of the week - May has come and gone in the blink of an eye (or just me?) and the Summer sales will be starting soon. When exactly is anyone's guess, they keep their cards very close to their chest, but it does seem to get earlier every year.

However instead of hawking those wanted items and praying that they're not OOS come the first round of reductions - which normally aren't worth bothering about anyway, unless there is something you are absolutely hankering after and so play chicken with the website and then want to weep when you don't get it? Again, only me? Sales fatigue - I can already feel you wiping me out.

But fear not, as La Redoute have yet again got a code that means there's no need to hang about and wait for the sales elsewhere. It's their good old 40% off offer. Code BIG40 until the end of Monday!

I will check the small print but it's usually off everything, including branded products too (I'm eyeing up trainers for the daughter again - 40% off makes a v big difference when the ones she wants, they don't do in youth styles. GAH. I've made a monster).

Starting though with things for moi.

I say "moi" - these are dresses that I won't wear but ones that are perfect holiday fodder and ones that I am always being asked about. Dresses that aren't midi or maxi - dresses that have sleeves and dresses that aren't tunic style.

Ta dah! I would happily have lapped these up a couple of years ago.

Printed dress R Studio £39

Or in the Ivory/Blue. I adore a shirred waist. So much more flattering than a generic elastic waist - it sits so much flatter on the waist or top of the hips like this one does.

Another shirred waist version, already reduced but I *think* you get another 40% off (you usually do anyway).

Long sleeved crepe v neck dress £31.50

And the black and white version - again £31.50

Having said that - it may not be up everyone's street, so this is a tie waist, along with a v neck which I know is always popular. Ideal "short" length - as, not in bum skimming.

Print navy dress £25 - and yes, all prices are pre the 40% off as numbers are not my strong point.

Another really pretty waisted Summer dress. I find it's so hard to find shorter dresses that aren't either super "sensible" looking or scraps of fabric held together with dental floss. This one would work perfectly with sandals or heels for a more formal occasion.

Triangle printed crossover dress £45

And then I obviously not include a couple of maxis..

Have I found a white one that might work?

Long dual fabric dress in ivory £49

Now this one does look slightly wintery but with tan sandals now it would be perfect and it would take you happily into Autumn with knee high boots.

Printed maxi dress £39

Speaking of knee high boots - it appears that La Redoute are well ahead of the A/W17 game already and have a plethora to pick from. I know the last thing you probably want to think about at the onset of Summer is a pair of boots but... it would be churlish not to with 40% off.

P-L-D-M-BY Palladium Hartville Sud Heeled Boots £185 in camel

Castaluna Platform boots £149 (also in camel)

And my colour of choice this year is going to be burgundy. At an event I went to recently, there was a lady with a red leather jacket and burgundy boots. Too. Chic. Chances of me recreating such a good look probably aren't that high, but it's on my radar.

Vintage Leather Boots £149

And I'm not going to look forward to the Autumn with alacrity but... if we're mentioning it... I have a couple of ideas.

One thing people do ask me for are tops they can wear in the Summer that aren't fleshy - as in they don't want lots of flesh on show. For various reasons (air con and too much sun being one two) they want something light but with more coverage. And something that isn't boho.

I have found two perfect options for the out out variety - although I would happily wear both during the day - with jeans. Any colour of jeans actually, these with trainers and denim would work for dress down perfectly. And just throw on heels and the bling of your choice for evening.

When Autumn comes around and dare I mention the festive season (EEK.. BUT you will thank me) this is the perfect no brainer of a top (and the following jacket).

Long-sleeved lame blouse £59 (personally I don't think camel trousers are the ideal playmate for these but that's just my opinion... really doesn't do the top justice and they're pretty grim trews full stop). The top however is gorgeous.

And the blazer. Again - shorts aren't what come to mind when thinking of an outfit I would wear this with. Jeans and a white vest or tee would be perfect though. It's definitely an unstructured blazer as opposed to a formal one.

Gold lame blazer £99

Trousers are up now and whilst I'm pretty sorted in that department, I always have a hankering for a pair of new khakis every year. The ideal summer alternative to jeans. Do I want skin tight? Due to lack of planks completed this year, that will be no. The muffin is in gateau mode so for me - the looser the better.

Normally Desigual isn't a brand I look at and I haven't gone a searching on their website, but when these came up on La Redoute..

Softly draping lyocell trousers from Desigual £115 pre discount Really like these. REALLY REALLY like these. Lyocell is the most flattering of fabrics and I would happily dress these up with heels, a silky tee and blazer for a night out.

My main poison of choice when it comes to trousers this season though is the wide leg cropped. And these, whilst they call them khaki are more of a US khaki I think, which is a sandy beige.. although who knows, as it looks more green in another photo. As much use as a chocolate teapot I fear but personally I love both colours so it wouldn't bother me.

Wide leg trousers with fringe hem (not really fringe though, is it?) £49

The white though - no disputing what colour these are. Summer trousers in one.

Now this has just caught my eye. There is no rhyme nor reason to it - I have never heard of the brand Collector (googling wasn't any help either) but I love these sweatshirts. Velour. Maybe it's a 70s thing.

Collector Print Sweatshirt was £45 now £36

And in the green, which is irritatingly out of stock in my size, otherwise I would definitely have bought this.

In pine green was £45 now £40 pre extra 40% off.

Finishing with the La Redoute classic - the espadrille which I've seen all over Instagram and adorning the feet of people in real life. If you are an espadrille person, these are divine.

Lace up espadrilles R Studio £27

Or in the coral

I would love to be able to wear espadrilles and obviously I *can* wear them but they just feel wrong diddly on me. I have tried so many different varieties but somehow I just can't make them work. However I am not going to be defeated so watch this space.

When it comes to summer shoes, I have various blogs up my sleeve but these are the ones that I have bought this season. For a bargain £23. From Forever21. In my head, they are Toga Pula meets Isabel Marant. Do not disabuse me of this notion.

Red t-shirt - Zadig & Voltaire
Girl meets boy jeans - Me+Em
Black jacket - hush
Sandals - Forever21
Earrings - H&M
Tools Bag - Balenciaga

I am off to the beach now. Mother of all storms during the night which has left a beautifully fresh and sunny day now. Anything I've missed from the La Redoute hall of fame, do let me know so I can have a little ordering fest later!

AND AND AND if that wasn't enough - there is 20% off EVERYTHING at ASOS today...

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Fugly sandals

It's a marmite one

When the sales come early..